Escaping "Excel Hell" – how can Excel be enhanced?

Excel is in widespread usage, especially for budgeting and reporting. I was reminded the other day that as a result "Most users prefer Excel".


Whilst there’s always a place for specialist software, there are various ways that Excel can continue to be used, including

1. Linking to a database such as Access, MS SQL or a myriad of others
2. Budgeting and BI tools that use Excel as the principal user interface
3. Other Excel add-ins and add-ons

If anyone has hands-on experience of any of these tools, good or painful, please comment. Likewise if any vendors would like to mention their Excel-based solution, you’re welcome.